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Science News Archive February 2019 - Page 5


Page 5 of 40

Immunizing quantum computers against errors

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new way to encode qubits in trapped-ion mechanical oscillators, which could lead to more efficient quantum error correction. By exploiting the properties of periodically arranged oscillatory states, they can detect and correct errors with high precision.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateFeb 27, 2019

Researchers discover cell mechanism that delays and repairs DNA damage that can lead to cancer

A new study reveals a specific mechanism in human cells that delay propagation of DNA damage, giving cells a chance to stop piling up mutations. The discovery relies on precise timing and control inside the cells and identifies key molecular proteins involved in repairing DNA lesions.

Radiation contamination at a crematorium

A recent study reports radiation contamination at an Arizona crematorium following treatment of a patient with a radioactive drug. The contamination was detected on equipment and in the operator's urine, raising concerns about potential health effects.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 26, 2019

Cellular alterations increase vulnerability of obese and diabetic individuals to infection

A study published in Scientific Reports identifies changes to neutrophils that increase vulnerability of obese and diabetic individuals to infection. Alterations to neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, lead to impaired activation of toll-like receptors (TLRs), weakening the immune system's ability to combat pathogens.

New consolidated bio-saccharification technique for lignocellulose conversion developed

A new consolidated bio-saccharification (CBS) technique has been developed to improve lignocellulose conversion efficiency and reduce costs. The CBS process integrates enzyme production, cellulose hydrolysis, and fermentation in one step, resulting in a 50% reduction in processing time and increased sugar yield.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels·DateFeb 26, 2019

Stopwatch set for milestone marathon in 2032

Monash University expert predicts a 10% chance of breaking the two-hour mark in May 2032. The study suggests that elite female athletes face potential barriers, leading to a 'world record drought' since Paula Radcliffe's 2:15.25 mark in 2003.

SourceMonash University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateFeb 26, 2019

Radiation-resistant E. coli evolved in the lab give view into DNA repair

Researchers created a lab-grown population of E. coli bacteria that became resistant to ionizing radiation through genetic mutations and enhanced DNA repair mechanisms. This breakthrough could lead to the development of radiation-resistant bacteria for environmental clean-up, cancer therapy protection, and astronaut protection in space.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateFeb 26, 2019

Why do innocent people plead guilty?

A UMass Lowell researcher explores the human dynamics behind plea deals, finding that over 95% of US criminal charges are resolved by guilty pleas. Her new NSF grant-funded project aims to reduce false guilty pleas and improve justice system services for defendants, using a computer simulation to test variables affecting plea decisions.

Why a common antibiotic treating diarrhea is failing

A billion different ways for C-diff to become resistant to metronidazole have been identified. Genetic changes linked to heme levels are thought to be a key factor contributing to this resistance. Researchers are now working to identify new drug targets to combat the growing threat of C-diff, a bacterium that causes diarrhea and colitis.

Earning a bee's wings

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis discovered that honey bees produce distinct cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles based on age, which affects their social recognition and interaction with other bees within the colony. This study sheds light on the complex mechanisms of nestmate recognition in social insects.

Safety of overlapping surgeries

A comprehensive analysis of over 60,000 surgical procedures found that overlapping surgeries do not significantly increase the risk of post-surgical complications and patient death in most cases. However, patients deemed high risk due to age and preexisting medical conditions, as well as those undergoing coronary artery bypass graft su...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 26, 2019